Bowling Green City Council took the final step Monday night toward demolishing the former Ridge
Elementary school in preparation for the site to become a park.
Ironically, the biggest booster for using the site for a park, Daniel Gordon, voted against the
ordinance.
"My vote reflected feedback from constituents on this issue," First Ward Council Member Daniel
Gordon said following the meeting. He said the process being used was a concern.
The ordinance calls for selling the property to Midwest Environmental Control of Toledo Inc., which will
handle asbestos abatement and demolition of the building and leveling of the site. The city then plans
to purchase the property from Midwest at a cost that covers the work. The same procedure was followed by
the city when the former high school/junior high building on West Wooster Street, and former Central
Administration Building on South Grove Street were demolished.
Council added an emergency clause, which also passed on a 6-1 vote. The clause means the ordinance is
effective as soon as signed my the mayor and also removes the possibility that a citizen referendum
could be mounted to bring the issue to a public vote. Without the clause the ordinance would become
effective 30 days after signed by the mayor.
City officials have said the big concern is asbestos abatement and this process makes Midwest responsible
if the asbestos is not handled and disposed of properly.
Demolition is to be completed this spring. The ordinance calls for the work to be completed by June 1.

Council also:
• Approved two resolutions regarding Community Development Block Grants, one authorizing an annual grant
application and the second adopting an amended CDBG housing policy and procedures manual.
• Approved a resolution adopting the Bowling Green Fire Division Standards of Cover for 2014.
• Approved an ordinance authorizing the city to seek bids for a multipurpose connector trail to link the
Black Swamp Preserve and the Slippery Elm Trail. The cost of the project will be covered by a grant.
• Agreed to again participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation program for rock salt for the
2014-2015 winter season. The program has been successful in helping the city obtain a better price for
the salt.